Malaita Province reaps benefits of Fundamental Redirection Policy as development partners gather in Auki for 41st 2ndAppointed Day Celebration to announce what they intend to do to help Malaita Provincial Gov’t develop the province
SUDDENLY Malaita Province finds itself in the middle of a treasure trove hidden from its sight for many years – thanks to the transformative power of Fundamental Redirection Policy, which the Provincial Government introduced last year.
Undoubtedly, the Fundamental Redirection Policy, which replaced the Business-As-Usual practice is working. And it showed In Auki, the provincial capital yesterday, as Malaita marked the 41st Anniversary of its 2nd Appointed Day.
As thousands watched, including school students, an army of development partners who attended the partly rain-soaked ceremony, came.
One by one, heads of delegations came to the podium to announce what their country is doing and what they intend to do to help the Malaita Provincial Government.
Australia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Japan and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) all announced support. Australia’s High Commissioner Rod Hilton raised eyebrows and whispers in his brief but boisterous announcement during the ceremony.
Australia, he said, has just signed an agreement to pay for the cost of repairing the 22km stretch of road between Auki and Bina on the south road.
Wu Wenlong of the Chinese Embassy told the gathering that his country pursues mutual respect and non-interference policy in Solomon Islands and the Pacific as a whole.
Mr Wu said China is Solomon Islands’ largest trading partner. Last year alone, commodities traded were valued at USD540 million (about SBD4.32 billion). China, he said, is a huge market.
To assist Solomon Islands, the Chinese Government offered import tax discount of up to 98 per cent on Solomon Islands export to China. He urged Solomon Islands’ farmers to take advantage of this, particularly the cocoa farmers because the price of cocoa has shot up.
Japan told the gathering that he is very happy the Grassroots program introduced by Tokyo is making a huge difference in communities throughout Solomon Islands.
“We fund social services projects such as water supplies, clinics and classrooms, through its JICA – his country’s international aid program. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele later told the ceremony that Japan’s upgrade of Kilu’ufi Hospital is a $130 million project.
USAID coordinator in Solomon Islands spoke of the closer and enduring ties between America and Solomon Islands. His government, he said, would continue to support development efforts on Malaita.
SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, yesterday announced plans to build SINU’s 4th Campus on Malaita, crediting commitments by the Provincial and National Governments for the move.
“Today – we gather not just as individuals but as a united force with a shared vision – a vision that transcends time and circumstance, speaking to the heart of our nation’s future,” he said.
“Your presence today is a powerful testament to our collective commitment to the transformative power of education, which can uplift communities and change lives. The Malaita Provincial Government and the National Government’s dedication has been instrumental in making this day possible, and together we stand at a pivotal moment in history ready to embark on a journey that will shape the future of Malaita and beyond,” he said.
Guest of honor, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele put the icing on the cake by announcing funding support for a range of infrastructure projects, including the tar-sealing of the Auki Township Road.
He announced that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has an impressive menu of development that has the potential to transform Malaita.
Prime Minister Manele said the tar-sealing of Auki township would soon begin with funding support from China. He revealed that his government is negotiating the funding of the Dala-Atori road as well as the repair and tar-sealing of the North Road, otherwise known as the Northern Corridor.
Prime Minister Manele also announced the construction of a building which would serve as the Fisheries Headquarters in Auki. His government has appropriated $10 million for seaweed farming in the Supplementary Budget to be brought down later this month.
He also acknowledged contributions by Malaitans to nation-building during the colonial era, adding today is the beginning of a new era for Malaita.
By Alfred Sasako
